In a significant development that has shaken the leadership of Atlantic City, Marty Small Sr., the city's mayor, and his wife La'Quetta Small, the superintendent of schools, have been indicted on charges of child endangerment. The allegations, brought forth by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office on September 17, 2024, stem from multiple incidents of alleged physical and emotional abuse of their teenage daughter.
The indictment, issued by a grand jury, accuses both parents of mistreating their daughter, who was 15 to 16 years old at the time of the alleged incidents. The events in question reportedly occurred between December 2023 and January 2024. Marty Small Sr. faces additional charges of assault and making terroristic threats.
According to the prosecutors, a particularly severe incident took place on January 13, 2024, when Marty Small Sr. allegedly struck his daughter multiple times on the head with a broom, causing her to lose consciousness. Ten days prior, he allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with her, grabbing her head and throwing her to the ground while threatening to "smack the weave out" of her head.
La'Quetta Small, 47, is accused of multiple instances of physical abuse, including punching her daughter in the chest and mouth, as well as dragging her by the hair and striking her with a belt.
"All people have heard is one side of the story. We look forward to telling our side."
The mayor, maintaining his innocence, emphasized that his daughter remains at home with her parents. His lawyer, Ed Jacobs, asserted that the indictment has no connection to Small's role as mayor and described it as a private family matter.
This case has broader implications for Atlantic City's administration. Founded in 1854, the city has faced numerous challenges, including economic struggles and political scandals. With a population of approximately 38,497 as of 2019, Atlantic City has been working to diversify its economy beyond its famous casinos and tourism industry.
The indictment also implicates Constance Days-Chapman, the principal of Atlantic City High School, on charges of official misconduct and child endangerment. She allegedly failed to report the abuse to state child welfare authorities as required by law and school district policy. Days-Chapman is reportedly a close friend of the Smalls, with La'Quetta Small being her superior in the school system.
New Jersey's mandatory reporting laws for suspected child abuse underscore the seriousness of these allegations. Child endangerment is a grave offense in the state, with penalties varying based on the degree of the crime. The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, responsible for prosecuting all indictable crimes in the county, will play a crucial role in this case.
As Atlantic City grapples with this unfolding situation, the impact on its governance and education system remains to be seen. The city, known for its boardwalk, beaches, and the only public high school serving its youth, now faces a challenging period as it navigates these serious allegations against its top officials.